TCC receives $250,000 donation from Banister Automotive for scholarships and more

Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $250,000 sponsorship and scholarship donation from Banister Automotive.

“We are thrilled to partner with Banister Automotive to provide scholarship opportunities for our students,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “We are grateful for this contribution and look forward to a continuing partnership with Banister Automotive to support our students and community.”

The donation will also fund a new TCC Presidential Scholarship for outstanding student scholars. The scholarships may be used to cover tuition, books, fees, tools, and all other needed materials for students to be successful.

In addition, the donation will be used to develop dual enrollment programs for high school students. Dual enrollment programs provide access to college classes for high school juniors and seniors, in an effort to give them a head start on their college careers.

Banister Automotive, established in 2017, is committed to supporting the community it serves. One of their goals is to support community initiatives and propel past barriers to get students into great jobs.

“Education is empowering which is why I stand behind the mission of community colleges and the vision of Tidewater Community College. TCC affords students in our region with the opportunity to attend college for little to no cost and succeed with the proper support; it is an effort we support at Banister,” said Dan Banister, Owner of Banister Automotive, which includes Banister Nissan of Chesapeake, Banister Nissan of Norfolk and Banister Ford of Marlow Heights Maryland.

Banister continued, “I serve on TCC’s Educational Foundation Board to represent my wife and children. We know what it’s like to have the college dream and want to ensure that all people have those opportunities. Our board is focused on reducing college debt for graduates. Currently, 3 in 5 TCC students graduate debt free. And we have dreams to make that 5 out of 5 students. We’d like to see all students stay local and get jobs with no educational debt. That would be a massive community achievement and a level of public-private engagement that moves the needle for our citizens’ success.”

The donation will be paid over five years beginning in 2023.

Recent high school graduates can LEAP into college with free tuition, books and a new laptop

Recent high school graduates can get a head start on college with Tidewater Community College’s LEAP (Learn. Explore. Accelerate. Persevere.) program.

Students looking to start college sooner, lighten the fall course load or shorten the time to degree completion can benefit from TCC’s LEAP program.

Eligible students must earn their high school diplomas or GEDs between January and June of 2023. Once in the program, students receive a LEAP scholarship to cover tuition and books. In addition, students taking 6 or more credits are eligible to receive a free new laptop.

LEAP students can take 3-12 credits during Summer Session and apply the credits toward their TCC program or transfer the credits to their four-year school.

Students can participate in Summer Session during five time periods, each designed to meet individual student needs. They include a 10-week session starting on May 22, an early 7-week session starting May 22, a late 7-week session starting June 5, an early 5-week session starting May 22, and a late 5-week session starting July 5.

Students may also apply to continue at TCC for Fall Semester 2023 and complete up to an additional 12 credits using scholarship funds. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are already committed to a four-year school for the fall are eligible to transfer credits

Students interested in LEAP can apply by visiting here. For more information, email enroll@tcc.edu or call the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111.

A $10K gift that keeps giving

It seems a little quieter around Tidewater Community College’s Norfolk Campus now that Business Professor Peter Shaw has retired from teaching.

Shaw was often seen in front of a TV camera doing interviews with local TV reporters about business issues of the day. Interestingly, Shaw completed more than 100 interviews over the last decade.

Shaw got his start at TCC as a student in the 1970s. He was the first of three children in his family to earn a degree. “My mom was a single parent and resources were tight. I came to TCC because the price was right and it was also very accessible,” he said.

A proud TCC alumnus, Shaw earned his Associate of Science in Business Administration in 1976. He continued his studies earning a bachelor’s in business from Old Dominion University and a master’s in business from William & Mary.

Shaw established a scholarship for TCC students just before he retired in 2022. The Business Pathway Scholarship was launched in 2021 with a $10,000 gift and has already provided scholarships for five students.

“I remember working my way through TCC and later Old Dominion and William & Mary. I got help from a lot of people and this is my way of paying back the generosity I received,” Shaw said.

Professor Peter Shaw with President Marcia Conston (left) and Dean Nancy Prather-Johnson.

Shaw taught business administration and management for 25 years at TCC. He says his fondest memories are those aha moments. “When you look in a student’s eye and see that they get it. Those are the moments I’ll treasure above anything else,” he said.

Shaw was well-loved by his students and recognized for his real-world knowledge of the topics he taught. He often mentored students and connected them with opportunities. One of his students, Griffin Leach, landed a summer internship at Towne Bank, thanks to the connections made by Shaw. Leach went on to work as an investment analyst on Wall Street and today is working in Washington, D.C. with a private equity group.

Recognized for his teaching excellence numerous times during his career, Shaw was TCC’s Professor of the Year in 2010 and he received the John and Suanne Roueche National Teaching Excellence Award from The League of Innovation in the Community College in 2012.

Shaw continues to serve the community as vice chair of the board of Future Hampton Roads. You can also still see him on local TV stations talking about current business issues.

“TCC is where I began my college journey and my gift to TCC is my way of saying I have not forgotten that,” Shaw said. “I see my contribution as a way of paying ‘rent’ for living in our society.”

If you would like information about TCC scholarships or would like to help students in need, please reach out to TCC’s Educational Foundation by emailing foundation@tcc.edu.

Ten reasons to consider attending community college

Tidewater Community College has been providing quality education in Hampton Roads for over 50 years. Today, TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads.

TCC provides flexible, affordable education options to close to 30,000 students each year, both online and on campuses in cities across the area.

So why is community college a good place to start? Here are 10 reasons to consider.

Cost

Save big on tuition by starting at TCC. Tuition costs at TCC are significantly lower than four-year schools. That’s why three in five TCC graduates leave debt-free. Compare that to the national average of $37,172 and it’s easy to see why TCC is a great option for those looking to start their careers.

Quality education

TCC professors bring real-world knowledge into the classroom, creating a dynamic learning environment for students. In fact, students who graduate from TCC’s career and technical programs have some of the highest pass rates on certification exams. Also, students who transfer to universities have high success rates thanks to the strong start they got at TCC.

Faculty and staff here to help

TCC Professors have one goal in the classroom and that’s student success. They go the extra mile and connect with students to ensure they reach their educational goals. In addition, TCC staff strive to solve problems and ease barriers to higher education for all students.

Education that works

TCC offers hands-on training for all kinds of careers from IT to health care to mechatronics. Students looking to train for a specific career benefit from industry-focused curriculum and partnerships that include internships and clinical experience. If you want a degree that will get you hired, TCC can get you there.

Guaranteed transfer

TCC’s guaranteed transfer programs offer immediate transfer to every public university in Virginia and most private four-year colleges, too. Just put in the work for two years (and sometimes less) at TCC, then go pretty much anywhere in Virginia.

Military friendly

About one-third of TCC students are military-related. The college provides a full array of services to support prospective and current military-related students in our offices on campus and on base. Students benefit from military and academic resources tailored to active duty and reserve service members, veterans, military spouses and dependents.

Scholarships and financial aid

TCC and the TCC Educational Foundation provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to students each year. Most of them are worth $500 or more and don’t need to be repaid, making one of the most affordable options in higher education even more cost-effective. Staff are here to help students explore scholarships, grants, loans and work-study options.

Flexible and convenient

With four campuses in Hampton Roads, TCC is an easy commute from anywhere. Also, community college classes are designed with convenience and are offered in the daytime, evenings, weekends and online.

Smaller classes

Large classes held in auditoriums are less likely at a community college. Even though TCC is the largest provider of higher education in the area, classes and labs are still small allowing for personalized attention.

Tim Slootmaker with Chuck Thomas, student center staff member.

Student life

Student life at TCC encompasses the entire collegiate experience. Along with classroom and laboratory work, various clubs and organizations are available to broaden and deepen students’ views. Leadership opportunities in student government are encouraged and student centers on each campus offer a wide variety of study, work-out, gathering and food options.

There’s still time to apply for fall scholarships at TCC

Whether you’re studying nursing, culinary arts or automotive technology, TCC has scholarships designed just for you. In fact, TCC has scholarships for dozens of program areas and a special scholarship for women in STEM fields.

Don’t miss out on free money to further your academic goals.

Applications for Tidewater Community College’s 2022 fall scholarships are being accepted now through March 31.

Thanks to the contributions of individual donors and organizations, TCC’s Educational Foundation is able to provide scholarships to support students academic studies and achievements. Awards may be used for tuition, books and fees at TCC.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

Browse the list of opportunities to find your fit.

Remember, scholarships are a form of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Most scholarships awarded by TCC are worth at least $500.

Some scholarships factor in demographics. The Betty L. Shores Memorial Scholarship, for example, gives preference to students attending the Virginia Beach Campus. The Frank Farello Scholarship seeks students who are studying Culinary Arts of Hospitality Management.

A few, including the Barnes and Noble Textbook Scholarship, offer multiple scholarships to students on each of the four campuses and have minimal requirements.

Start by completing the 2022-23 FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Find the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List TCC as your school of choice by using code 003712.

Use your myTCC login and password to sign into the scholarship application system. From there, browse scholarship opportunities and apply for ones that fit you best. The system will recommend scholarships that are right for you.

For more information contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.

Mitsubishi Chemical America supports Mechatronics students with scholarships and careers

Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $5,000 donation from Mitsubishi Chemical America in support of scholarships for high school students. This donation brings the company’s giving to TCC to $21,225 over the last five years.

Mitsubishi Chemical America’s donation supports scholarships for Chesapeake Public School students dual enrolled in the college’s Mechatronics program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for work in advanced manufacturing upon graduation.

“Our industry leaders tell us that they are in need of skilled technicians, and our graduates are well prepared for the work ahead,” said Beno Rubin, Dean of the college’s Manufacturing and Transportation Pathway. “We’re grateful for the support of our industry partners as we train the next generation of technicians.”

Dylan Starowicz is a Mechatronics graduate who now works at Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC division in Chesapeake.

Students start taking classes in their junior and senior years on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, training in state-of-the-art labs with professors who have abundant industry experience. Classes cover everything from industrial robotics, digital systems, electric motor control, programmable logic control and instrumentation.

“Manufacturing has changed considerably since we began operations in Chesapeake 30 years ago. The TCC Mechatronics program develops a technically skilled workforce that will help us continue to innovate in the years to come,” said Bill Yannetti, Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC Division.

Mitsubishi Chemical America was among a group of local manufacturing firms that launched this scholarship in 2018. Company representatives also serve on TCC’s advisory committee for Mechatronics.

G3 Scholarships give students an opportunity to get ahead in a career/technical field

On the heels of Governor Northam’s 21-22 budget signing, G3 Scholarships at Tidewater Community College are now open and available to eligible students seeking certifications and degrees that will lead to an in-demand job. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for individuals who qualify for state financial aid, allowing students to gain the skills they need for a good career in their community without worrying about costs.

G3 Scholarships are available for select programs in five of Virginia’s most in-demand industries, including Early Childhood Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Safety and Skilled Trades.

“G3 is a game-changer for our students as it provides scholarships for education and career training for today’s in-demand career fields,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “If students want to come to TCC to get a certificate or degree that leads to a career, we will help find the money to make it happen.”

Applicants for G3 Scholarships must meet certain financial qualifications. For example, a student’s household income (for a family of four) must be less than $106,000 or a single adult making less than $51,000. Income thresholds vary as the household number increases. Once a student qualifies, G3 Scholarships require a level of academic performance to stay eligible. For full-time students who also receive the maximum Pell Grant, additional scholarship benefits are designed to help offset the cost of living so they can continue to take care of their family while going through a program.

Typically, the cost of attendance for a full-time student taking 30 credits at Tidewater Community College is $5,560 per year. The G3 Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that, with other financial aid, could bring that cost down to $0.

Students who are interested in learning more about the G3 Scholarship at TCC and what programs of study they can pursue can find more information here.

Students who need help applying to TCC and enrolling in classes can receive support from the college’s Virtual Student Support Team by emailing info@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1122.

Interested in fall scholarships at TCC? It’s time to apply.

Whether you’re a woman studying STEM, a recent high school graduate or a military-related student returning to school, we have scholarships to help you pay for classes.

Don’t miss out on free money to further your academic goals.

Applications for Tidewater Community College’s 2021 fall scholarship cycle are being accepted now through May 1.

Thanks to the contributions of individual donors and organizations, TCC’s Educational Foundation is able to provide scholarships to support students’ academic studies and achievements. Awards may be used for tuition, books and fees at TCC.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

TCC scholarship recipient Dasha Chaney was awarded the Christopher M. Garrett Memorial scholarship for $1,800 and the Barnes and Noble Textbook scholarship for $600.

Chaney completed her Tidewater Community College cyber degree in just one year. “I’ve gone from nothing to something in three semesters,” she said.

Automotive student Sawyer Matthews received a $2,000 scholarship from the Hampton Roads Automobile Dealers Association. “College is expensive and every little bit helps,” he said.

Student Olivia Brichter earned the Tryntje and Norman Willcox Endowed Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 and a $600 Norfolk Campus General Scholarship.

“TCC allowed me to figure out what I want to do, without going into any student debt,” she said. “I’m really grateful.”

Start by completing the 2021-22 FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Find the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List TCC as your school of choice by using code 003712.

For more information, visit here. To learn about establishing a scholarship at TCC, contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.

Interested in scholarships at TCC? There’s still time to apply.

Whether you’re studying STEM, a recent high school graduate or a military-related student returning to school, Tidewater Community College offers scholarships to help you pay for tuition and books.

The scholarship deadline for spring semester is Nov. 15. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-apply, first-award basis as long as applicants meet all the criteria.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

Complete the 2020-21 FAFSA online to determine your eligibility for financial aid. List TCC as your school of choice by using code 003712.

Use your myTCC login and password to sign in to the scholarship application system. From there, browse scholarship opportunities and apply for ones that fit you best.

For more information, contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.

Some of our recent scholarship recipients share the difference the funds made for them:

“I was extremely surprised when I was given multiple scholarships this year. I didn’t think students like me would qualify for such large scholarship awards. I think if you stay focused on your goal and push yourself, then returning to college is not as scary as people make it out to be.” — Tonia Smith, National Defense Industrial Association Scholarship. Smith is a mother of two who works a full-time job in addition to attending TCC.

Jordan Dagger, TCC scholarship recipeint — Jordan Daggers

“I am extremely grateful for this scholarship and hope to find other opportunities in the coming months to cover the cost of my education.” — Jordan Daggers, NAPA Auto Care Annual Scholarship.

Kaileen Myers, TCC scholarship recipeint. — Kaileen Myers

“I chose TCC because I’ve always heard great things about how the teachers connect with their students more and for financial reasons.” —Kaileen Myers, TCC STEM Promise Program and Don Carey REECH Foundation scholarship recipient.

“I’ve gone from nothing to something in three semesters.” — scholarship recipient Dasha Chaney

Dasha Chaney wasn’t ready for college the first time around.

Now the 23-year-old is close to completing her Tidewater Community College cyber degree in just one year.

“I’ve gone from nothing to something in three semesters,” Chaney said. “I actually have the mindset for college now. I’m ready to push and meet my goals.”

A TCC scholarship recipient, Chaney was awarded the Christopher M. Garrett Memorial scholarship for $1,800 and the Barnes and Noble Textbook scholarship for $600.

Chaney is grateful for the funds, as they are helping to ease the financial crunch of her final 16-credit- hour semester at the college.

A high achieving student, Chaney was delighted to be awarded an academic scholarship. “It definitely gives me a boost and peace of mind that I can and will finish my degree,” she said.

Growing up, Chaney opted for Game Boy Advance instead of Barbie dolls.

“I always liked video games that were hands-on and visual. That’s what attracted me to cyber security. It’s a field that’s always advancing,” Chaney said.

The daughter of a Navy officer, Chaney said her father, Lt. Cmdr. Shelley Pulliam, has been a great influence in her life with everything technical, and now as an inspiration for her cyber career.

“My parents encouraged TCC early on, but I didn’t listen. I had to find my way back after a time at Old Dominion and a very brief enlistment in the Navy,” Chaney said.

Now Chaney’s course is clear, and she is preparing to be a cyber security analyst. While at TCC she is also completing her Network+ and A+ certifications. She plans to transfer back to Old Dominion to complete her bachelor’s degree.

Chaney credits campus advisor Kita Graham with helping make the transfer process easy.

An online learner, Chaney sends a shoutout to Joel Kirch, her favorite professor. “The community at TCC is what makes learning possible. All of my professors have been supportive and engaging,” she said.

Chaney participates in the Virginia Beach Campus Cyber Security Club. Because of COVID-19, the group has been meeting virtually for games and competitions. Chaney also volunteers for TCC’s Computers for Student Success, helping to refurbish computers and provide them to students in need.

She encourages students coming after her to “trust in your process and push yourself.”

Chaney added, “Never think you can’t do it, because you always can! And if it doesn’t work out the first time, get back up and try again!”

Spring scholarships are available now and most TCC students qualify. Browse the list of opportunities at tcc.edu/scholarships to find your fit.

“TCC fits into my schedule and is helping me build the life I always saw for myself”

Single mom Teosha Taylor is determined to make a difference.

Taylor, 34, is studying Human Services at Tidewater Community College. After graduating next spring, she hopes to establish a charity to help teen moms, runaways and youth who have been neglected and abused.

Taylor is passionate about being the light for youth who are the most vulnerable.

“This hits close to home for me,” she said. “I’ve been in a home where there’s abuse and some of my friends were runaways because of abuse. I saw first-hand the damage that can be done, so now I want to be part of the solution.”

She added, “I know how it is to be in certain situations, but I also know that those situations don’t have to define you.”

Taylor received two scholarships this fall, the Mary Ferrell Flickinger scholarship for $1,500 and the Barnes and Noble Textbook scholarship for $600.

“What a gift! Getting help with tuition, fees and books was tremendous!” she said. “It’s helped me keep pushing, to make it to the finish line next May.”

The mother of three concedes that balancing home life and school can be challenging.

“The best part of TCC for me is the supportive faculty, the open access to programs, and the online classes,” she said.

Taylor’s favorite professor is Melvilyn Scott because she takes the time to make sure students understand the concepts and she responds to every request for help.

Taylor is already using what she is learning at her current job as a patient care specialist at Sentara Health Systems.

“I love everything about the program, even the paper writing,” she said.

“TCC fits into my schedule and is helping me build the life I always saw for myself. What could be better than that?”

Spring scholarships are available now and most TCC students qualify for scholarships. Browse the list of opportunities at tcc.edu/scholarships to find your fit.

“I hope I can encourage more women to enter the STEM fields.”

“Why pay so much more for your general education when TCC is right in your own backyard?”

That was the question high achiever Brooke Marcia asked herself.

That led her to choose Tidewater Community College.

A 2020 graduate from the international baccalaureate program at Princess Anne High, Marcia was accepted into the engineering program at Old Dominion University. Instead, she will begin her journey at TCC.

“One of my goals in going to college is to graduate debt free, and TCC seemed like a cost-effective option,” Marcia said. “It was also close to home, and I could still see my family and friends and go to church.”

Marcia received a scholarship from TCC and will serve as a student ambassador on the Virginia Beach Campus. She is hoping the experience will help polish her public speaking and leadership skills.

“I’m excited to promote community college, especially during COVID-19, and to those who don’t see themselves going to college at all,” she said.

“Some of my friends have joked me about starting at community college, but I think it’s time to break that stigma.”

Marcia will transfer to Old Dominion after earning her Associate of Science in Engineering. She plans a career as an electrical engineer and has set her sights on NASA, where she recently completed the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program.

The interactive online science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experience is highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center.

Marcia with astronaut Roger Crouch. — Marcia with astronaut Roger Crouch who flew two NASA Space Shuttle missions.

“Engineering has been my passion since I was little and is the only thing I can see myself doing,” she said. “I hope I can encourage more women to enter the STEM fields.”

TCC is a family affair for the Marcias. Brooke’s father, Art, started at TCC and later earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering from Old Dominion. Her mother, Kathleen, earned her associate degree at TCC and a bachelor’s in education from Regent University.

“My parents, uncle and family friends all started at TCC and now have successful careers,” Marcia said. “It feels good to be following in their footsteps.”

TCC’s fall classes begin Aug. 24. For information on how you can get started at TCC, email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1122.

TCC student named to the All-USA Academic Team and is a New Century Pathway Scholar

Scholarship winner Olivia Brichter has a message for Professor Manisha Trivedi.

“I’m sending you a big fat thank you for taking the time, for believing in me, for all of it,” said Brichter, who will graduate from Tidewater Community College in May with an Associate of Science in General Studies.

Brichter was named to the 2020 All-USA Academic Team, a competition sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa. Based on the score she earned, she was named a New Century Pathway Scholar in Virginia.

She will receive a total of $7,250 in scholarship funds to pursue her bachelor’s in neuroscience at Roanoke College.

Seizures and attention deficit hyperactive disorder made learning nearly impossible until Brichter met Trivedi, TCC’s 2018 Professor of the Year. The pair connected weekday mornings to review materials for Brichter’s biology and anatomy and physiology classes. Trivedi helped with strategies for learning like reading the material aloud and writing difficult concepts on a whiteboard.

“Ms. T showed me that I could learn and built my confidence. I give her a lot of credit for my success,” Brichter said.

Brichter also received support through the Open Door Project, a program that offers free academic, career and cultural counseling to low-income, first-time college students on the Norfolk and Portsmouth campuses.

Brichter helped launch the Norfolk Campus Dream (Disabilities, Rights, Education, Activism and Mentoring) Club, a local chapter of the national group. Working with campus leaders, she started Dream to bring students with disabilities and mental health needs together to support each other.

She also worked as a work-study student in the Norfolk Campus advising office, helping other students write their own success stories.

“It’s been a highlight helping students also struggling to find their way,” Brichter said. “I’ve been able to share my story with so many people coming through our doors. My message is simple: get involved and take every opportunity to help yourself and others.”

Brichter’s journey at the college started a decade ago, so moving on is bittersweet.

“We’re a family on Norfolk Campus,” she said. “The people here helped me come out of my shell, built my confidence and gave me a new direction.”

Brichter hopes to pay it forward by working with children with special needs and doing research in neuroscience.

Financial aid and scholarships help Brichter pay for college. She also received two TCC scholarships: the Tryntje and Norman Willcox Endowed Memorial Scholarship and the Norfolk Campus General Scholarship.

Scholarship applications are open now for TCC students. To learn about scholarships that can help you reach your academic goals, visit https://news.tcc.edu/interested-in-fall-scholarships-at-tcc-its-time-to-apply/.

Interested in fall scholarships at TCC? It’s time to apply.

Whether you’re a woman studying STEM, a recent high school graduate or a military-related student returning to school, we have scholarships to help you pay for classes.

Don’t miss out on free money to further your academic goals.

Applications for Tidewater Community College’s 2020 fall scholarship cycle are being accepted April 15 through June 5.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

Student Olivia Brichter earned the Tryntje and Norman Willcox Endowed Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 and a $600 Norfolk Campus General Scholarship in 2019.

“TCC allowed me to figure out what I want to do, without going into any student debt,” she said. “I’m really grateful.”

Brichter was selected to the 2020 All-USA Academic Team and is a New Century Transfer Pathway scholar for Virginia. She will receive a total of $7,250 in scholarship funds to pursue her bachelor’s degree at her next stop.

Emeakama Favour at TCC’s Chesapeake Campus.

Emeakama Favour came to TCC to study cybersecurity. She received the Mary Ferrell Flickinger and E.C. Wareheim scholarships, both from TCC.

“These scholarships helped me experience the joy of learning,” she said. “They covered most of my tuition for one semester and helped me stay in school.”

Start by completing the 2020-21 FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Find the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List TCC as your school of choice by using code 003712.

Use your myTCC login and password to sign in to the scholarship application system. From there, browse scholarship opportunities and apply for ones that fit you best. The system will recommend scholarships that are right for you.

Registration is currently open for fall classes, which begin Aug. 24.

For more information, visit www.tcc.edu/scholarships. To learn about establishing a scholarship at TCC, contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.

Interested in fall scholarships at TCC? It’s time to apply

Whether you’re a woman studying STEM, a recent high school graduate or a military-related student returning to school, chances are we have a scholarship that can help you pay for classes.

Don’t miss out on free money to further your academic goals.

Applications for Tidewater Community College’s 2019 fall scholarship cycle are being accepted through June 1.

Through the generous contributions of individual donors and organizations, TCC’s Educational Foundation is able to provide scholarships to support students’ academic studies and achievement. Awards may be used for tuition, books and fees at TCC.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

Student Kevin Fraser, winner of the Coca-Cola Enterprises Scholarship, was shocked when $500 hit his student account. “I had no idea how large these awards are,” Fraser said.

Later, he won the Ernest T. Bo Buchanan IV Memorial Scholarship and realized his final semester would be paid for in full. “My scholarship awards were almost to the penny perfect. I had $80 left over, which I used to buy a book,” he said. “To know my entire last semester was paid . . . it was such a blessing.”

Student Dawn Johns, recipient of the Sarah “Tata” White Kellam Scholarship, searched for all the awards she was eligible to receive in Academic Works. “Some of them don’t even require an essay – you’re just completing the form,” she said.

“I take so much pride in being the recipient of a scholarship,” Johns added. “Every semester since I received this award, I have been a 4.0 student.”

Start by completing the 2019-20 FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for financial aid. Find the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List TCC as your school of choice by using the code 003712.

Sign into the scholarship application system using your myTCC log-in and password. From there, it’s just a matter of browsing scholarship opportunities and applying for ones that fit you best.

Fall classes begin Aug. 19. Class registration is currently open.

For more information, visit www.tcc.edu/scholarships. To learn about establishing a scholarship at TCC, contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.